of the Stanton children. “That Tess is the cutest little girl in the world. And look at Emory. His little snaggled tooth smile is something else.”
King and Fancy exchanged a knowing look. “You love those kids, don’t you?” She phrased her comment as a question, but the answer was obvious.
“Undoubtedly,” Reno whispered. “But this one…” He held up his own portrait. “We could’ve done without. Who in the world would want a picture of an ugly old mug like mine?”
Fancy laughed. “You aren’t ugly, Reno.”
“Careful, darling.” King pretended to be affronted.
“I know the children would love to have your portrait. I’m sure they’ll cherish it forever.”
Reno stared into the fire. “That I can’t imagine.”
“Oh, I’m right. They’ll probably pass that tintype down from generation to generation.” She stood up and stretched. “Well, you two men visit as long as you want. I’m going to go get ready for bed.”
King held up his head for a kiss, then smiled as he watched his wife leave the room. Once she was gone, he leaned back in his chair and sighed. “You just missed Clay.”
“Oh?” Reno was surprised. “Where did he go?”
“About noon today Domino brought a telegram home he picked up in town from the good reverend in Fredericksburg. He agreed to meet with Clay about sponsoring a church to be built here in Kingsland. So, Clay wasted no time, he took off for the meeting.”
“Good. I’m glad. Having a proper church here will make Clay happy.”
“He’s just worried he doesn’t have the necessary license and schooling. Reverend Coates is a robe-wearing preacher with a seminary education. Clay just knows what he learned from his father or taught himself.”
“If he was good enough to serve as a chaplain in the service, he’s good enough for me.”
“Me too.” King chuckled. “After all, he performed our wedding ceremony.”
“True. I sure hate I missed him. I don’t exactly know how long I’ll be gone.”
King leaned forward to stoke the fire. “You’re going to see Cole first. Right?”
“Yes, I want to see him, and I need to meet with the lawyer. Wallace is pulling some strings to discover the identity of the boy who witnessed our exchange. If I can find him, his testimony will go a long way to prove Cole didn’t pass along sensitive information to me.”
“Well, I wish you all the luck in the world. Don’t worry, we’ll check on those children for you. Do we need to look in on Miss Blue?”
“I’d appreciate it if you would.” Reno chuckled. “Oh, she’d love to see Fancy. Ela would be tickled to know your wife is in the family way.”
King stood up. “Speaking of Fancy, I think I’ll join her.”
Reno rose as well. “I need to get some rest myself.”
“What time are you leaving tomorrow?”
“Early. I want to spend some time with Saul and the other children before I leave for Waco.”
Shaking his finger, King walked to the mantle and took down a small rag doll. “I almost forgot something important. Amelia made this gift for Tess.”
“She’ll love it.” He took the doll and marveled at the fine needlework. “I haven’t seen Amelia in a while. How is she?”
“Oh, she keeps to herself. Doesn’t talk to anyone but Fancy and her brother. Gentry worries himself to death about her, but she won’t have much to do with him at all. I think he intimidates her.”
“She’ll come around.” Reno remembered how scared she was the night they rescued her. Of course, Reno knew his own looks hadn’t helped anything. She’d been far warier of him than she’d been of Gentry and Clay. Since then, she avoided all men for the most part. “I guess it’ll just take some time and patience to bring her around.” He held up the doll. “I’ll go put this in my saddlebag right now.”
“Sleep well.”
Reno bid King a goodnight, then headed out to settle Traveler into his stall with plenty of hay and water. “See you in the morning, pretty boy.” The horse whinnied his appreciation for the compliment and the attention.
Feeling the miles and hours since he last rested, Reno decided to put off a dip in the spring until morning. Right now, all he wanted to do was close his eyes and let his mind rest. The moon was high in the sky, giving off enough light for him to see the way from the barn to the bunkhouse with no problems. Before entering, he stepped around back into the nearby woods to do his business. Afterward, he